When most of us make up our wills, we plan to leave whatever we have left to our families. Usually, bequests or donations to charities are at the bottom of the list of concerns once retirement rolls around.
However, one Kentucky janitor saw things differently. He scrimped and saved his whole life in order to make an amazing impact after his death.
How One School Janitor Was Fondly Remembered
Alvin Randlett worked as a janitor in the same school district for over 30 years before he retired. He himself had only attended school until the 5th grade, but that didn’t stop him from working hard and making an impact each day.
Alvin never married or had children, so his priority was the school where he worked and the children who attended it. He was always there for all of the children who passed through the halls, offering a listening ear and a shoulder to cry on.
RELATED: He Started As An Illiterate Janitor – Now, He’s One Of The World’s Most Successful Latino Execs
He was a staple of the school who often volunteered as a field trip chaperone, and was someone who was always remembered fondly. He rarely missed a day’s work -- he retired with more than 300 days of unused sick leave.
Alvin retired and was given a pension from the school district, but he only spent what he absolutely needed. He walked everywhere instead of purchasing a car, and used the bare necessities to get by. When he passed away 15 years later, what he left behind was shocking.
How a School Janitor Left Behind a Legacy
Alvin had bequeathed his life savings -- a whopping $175,000 to a local fund for abused children. The Kentucky Child Victims’ Trust Fund was the organization he chose to leave everything to. The administration and local leaders were amazed when they saw what Alvin had done.
“Mr. Randlett’s act allows the Child Victims’ Trust Fund to protect more Kentucky children from abuse and make a positive difference in the lives of thousands of Kentuckians for years to come,” Kentucky Attorney General Andy Beshear said.
RELATED: Students Call Deaf Janitor into Classroom - What They Did Next Made Him Break Down in Tears
Alvin wasn’t a rich man, nor did he have a fancy job or wealthy parents. He was just an average, hardworking man who made it his mission in life to be a friend to all who crossed his path. He took that one step further, making it his mission in death as well.
“It was Alvin’s last wish to help with those who can’t help themselves,” his friend Jeff Siska said.
Alvin’s story proves that you don’t need much to make an amazing impact. Of course, not everyone can donate their life savings to help abused children. However, everyone can consider their legacy and ask themselves what they can do to help as many people as possible.
KEEP READING:
School Janitor Reveals a Tragic Secret - So Her Boss Plans a Surprise That Brings Her to Tears
Two of Mr. Moriarty's students pose with their yearbook from 1982.WHAM via CNN / Video
man holding a yearbookWHAM via CNN / Video
Black and white photos from school yearbookWHAM via CNN / Video
Patrick Moriarty (center, blue shirt) and a group of his former students watched the solar eclipse together on Monday in New York.Caitlin Moriarty Hynick
